This study aims to examine the prognostic value of the video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test in predicting hearing recovery with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL).
Semicircular canal function testing (vHIT and/or caloric testing) at diagnosis may offer prognostic value in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss; audiologists and ENT teams should consider integrating vestibular assessment into ISSNHL workup protocols pending further guideline updates.
If vestibular test results reliably predict hearing recovery in sudden hearing loss, they could guide treatment intensity and patient counseling at the time of diagnosis.
- 01Systematic review and meta-analysis pooling studies on vHIT and caloric testing in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
- 02vHIT measures how the inner ear responds to quick head movements; caloric test uses temperature changes to assess balance canals.
- 03Abnormal semicircular canal function at presentation may predict poorer hearing recovery.
- 04Findings support vestibular testing as a prognostic tool, not just a diagnostic one, in SSNHL.
- 05Published in Frontiers in Neurology; evidence level reflects a meta-analysis of available studies.
vHIT and caloric testing have prognostic value in predicting hearing recovery in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
studypartially supportedAbnormal semicircular canal function is associated with worse hearing recovery outcomes in ISSNHL.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42088917
- DOI
- 10.3389/fneur.2026.1796414.
- Journal
- Frontiers in Neurology
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Intervention
- Semicircular canal function testing: video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test
- Comparator
- Patients with normal semicircular canal function / no vestibular testing
Primary outcomes
Hearing recovery prediction accuracy; Prognostic value of vHIT; Prognostic value of caloric testing